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Lewis Hamilton took a superb victory in Italy to extend his championship lead to 30 points

Phil Duncan

Luke Slater

3 September 2018 • 9:16 AM

Lewis Hamilton was on Sunday evening celebrating one of the finest victories of his career after he went behind ­enemy lines to stun Ferrari and take a major step towards securing his fifth world championship.

The fanatical tifosi supporters arrived in Monza for yesterday’s Italian Grand Prix expecting to see Sebastian Vettel convert a Ferrari lockout of the front row into a crushing win.

Instead, they saw their leading championship contender fall out of the reckoning after just four ­corners following a clumsy ­opening-lap collision with his rival.

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Lewis Hamilton was on Sunday evening celebrating one of the finest victories of his career after he went behind ­enemy lines to stun Ferrari and take a major step towards securing his fifth world championship.

The fanatical tifosi supporters arrived in Monza for yesterday’s Italian Grand Prix expecting to see Sebastian Vettel convert a Ferrari lockout of the front row into a crushing win.

Instead, they saw their leading championship contender fall out of the reckoning after just four ­corners following a clumsy ­opening-lap collision with his rival.

Register to read more on the Hamilton/Vettel crash - and vote for your world title winner

Then, they witnessed Hamilton deliver a sensational performance, which climaxed in the Briton ­passing Kimi Raikkonen for his 68th career triumph. Vettel recovered from last to finish fourth.

Ferrari had been quicker than Mercedes all weekend at the ­“Temple of Speed”, yet it is ­Hamilton who departed the Italian team’s homeland last night having extended his title lead over Vettel from 17 to 30 points with just seven races remaining.

Lewis Hamilton drove from third to victory at Monza
Credit: reuters

“Given the sheer pressure that we are under, I will definitely ­consider this win to be right up there in my career,” said Hamilton, who was subjected to loud boos on the podium. “There are a lot of ­Ferrari fans out there and you hear a lot of negative sounds, but that only encourages and energises me.

“When I spot the British flags amongst the Ferrari red, that is my fuel and I get my positivity and ­energy from them. They’re the miracle today.”

Vettel was at his commanding best eight days ago to win in ­Belgium, but his defeat here is a crushing setback in his championship quest, and one from which he will now struggle to recover.

On a frantic opening lap, Vettel covered the inside of the second chicane, but Hamilton moved to the racing line and was ahead going into the corner. Vettel did not want to concede the place and, in doing so, thudded into Hamilton’s Mercedes before spiralling into a spin.

Vettel, who limped back to the pits for repairs, accused Hamilton of failing to leave him enough room. “Silly”, was the German’s verdict. The stewards looked at the incident and took no action, but Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, had made up his mind.

“I think it was 100 per cent ­Sebastian’s fault,’’ he said on Sky Sports commentary. “Hamilton gave him all the room. He’s not ­going to become world champion if he keeps doing these things.”

Indeed, it marked Vettel’s fifth big error of the season, while Hamilton has largely failed to put a foot wrong. It is proving the difference.

Hamilton celebrates with his team
Credit: Getty Images

With Vettel now out of contention, Hamilton sensed blood. On lap four, he briefly took the lead after sailing past Raikkonen on the main straight only for the veteran Finn to bite back two corners later.

The gap between Raikkonen and Hamilton lingered at one second, before the Ferrari driver pulled in for new tyres on lap 20. Hamilton went on for a further eight laps ­before stopping for new rubber.

He emerged six seconds down on the Ferrari car, and that looked to be that. But a combination of his blistering pace, and Valtteri Bottas in the sister Mercedes – who having yet to pit for tyres was backing ­Raikkonen into Hamilton’s path – enabled the Briton to close.

Then, with only eight laps ­remaining, Hamilton made his move. In front of swathes of Ferrari flags, he drew alongside Raikkonen at 220mph on the main straight ­before diving to the left and masterfully making his pass round the outside of the Ferrari at the opening chicane. The tifosi fell silent.

“I didn’t want to walk away from here leaving something on the ­table,” Hamilton, 33, said. “Wheel-to-wheel battles are the thing I love most about racing.

“That was one tough race, but ­really fun and enjoyable. This ­season is shaping up to being one of the best.”

View more!

Bottas completed the podium ­positions on a near-perfect day for Mercedes. Red Bull driver Max ­Verstappen was demoted to fifth ­after pushing Bottas off the track.

The five-second penalty ­provoked a number of expletives from the Dutchman. Told to relax by his Red Bull team, he replied: “No! Don’t worry about it? It’s s---. I gave him space. They’re doing a great job at killing racing.”

What they said about the collision

Sebastian Vettel:

"I didn't want to try something silly so I left a gap, and Lewis saw a little space around the outside of me," Vettel said.

"But then he didn't leave any room. I had no other chance than to run into him and make contact.

"Unfortunately, I was the one that spun around, which was a bit ironic."

Lewis Hamilton:

"It worked," he replied. "It was a racing move and that is what we are supposed to do out there. We are supposed to be racing.

"I left him space and I was still on the track.

"When we went into turn four, I was a bit surprised that he chose the inside line and did not go for the outside.

"That was my opportunity and I had to make sure that I was far enough alongside him. We touched for a brief moment and my car was slightly damaged afterwards, but fortunately I was able to continue."

Nico Rosberg:

"I think it was 100 per cent Sebastian's fault. Sebastian has gone in too deep, collided with Lewis and spun him around, it was really not good," he told Sky Sports F1.

Where it leaves the Championship

View more!

Who do you think will win the world title?

4:30PM

That is all from me today

What a breathless and eventful race that was. We had a hugely significant first lap incident between Vettel and Hamilton, in which Vettel came off second best and dropped back down to 19th. The stewards decided that no further action was warranted.

It was another mistake from Vettel and another costly one. He drove well to get back to fourth in the end but what looked like a superb weekend for them yesterday but it turned out to be an awful one, all in all.

Hamilton then had to hunt down Kimi Raikkonen which he did expertly. Then he had to pass him which he did with great skill. From that moment on it was a breeze. Raikkonen's tyres were shot and that, unfortunately, was that. Bottas did a good job for his team in the second stint to hold up Raikkonen and back him into Hamilton. He ended up third after an incident with Verstappen cost the Dutchman five seconds in penalty time.

Hamilton takes a 30 point lead into Singapore in two weeks. Is that a decisive lead with seven races to go? Perhaps not, but it looks such a lot better than the potential 10-point lead he'd have had if Vettel would have taken victory here today.

Thanks for joining me and see you in two weeks.

4:22PM

Max Verstappen got a little bit punchy on the radio after he was given a five second penalty

"For what?! I gave him space. They're doing a great job at killing racing, honestly," is what he said. He also had this to say after the race.

We were in a position where we didn't expect to be. I gave him a car width. I don't agree with it [the penalty]. It's a shame, but looking at the positives the car was working really well.

Fifth isn't so bad, though and he moves well ahead of his team-mate (well, by 12 points).

4:19PM

Vettel and Hamilton got a little close - and touched - at the first chicane as well

It was very small and obviously nothing compared to the one at the next chicane. Hamilton did nothing wrong in the incident. Vettel can feel a bit unlucky to be spun around though. Understeer into the chicane was the issue that ultimately led to the crash.

Sebastian Vettel is spun around on the first lap
Credit: sky sports f1

4:13PM

Updated constructor standings - Mercedes extend their lead

1. Mercedes - 415

2. Ferrari - 390

3. Red Bull - 248

4. Haas

5. Renault - 84

6. McLaren - 52

7. Toro Rosso - 30

8. Force India - 28

9. Sauber - 19

10. Williams - 5

4:04PM

GRANDE MERCEDES

4:03PM

Vettel reacts to his fourth place and the first lap incident with Hamilton

I think you have more angles than I have to look at. I didn't really have a gap and didn't want to try something silly. Lewis saw around the side and I think he didn't leave me any space and I didn't have any chance but to make contact. Unfortunately I was the one that spun around. We still got a lot of points, it could be a lot worse.

Well it doesn't help when you lose points but it's not the end of the world. I think we still wake up tomorrow morning.

Down, for sure. I think their [the fans'] support has been incredible. Unfortunately we didn't deliver but what can you do? It could have been a good race but it wasn't. I'm not too worried. If we have the pace then the points sound a lot but it doesn't take a long time to get them down.

4:01PM

Vettel has been fragile under pressure this year

And that showed today. He didn't leave Hamilton enough room and understeered into him in the second chicane. He spun and then his race was basically won. There is a lot to analyse today.

I'm not sure I have ever seen Hamilton that pumped after any victory before

We'll wait to hear from Sebastian Vettel on that first lap clash

He ended up in fourth after that incident. No driver was apportioned blame in it. Here is what the FIA said about it.

Stewards' decision on Hamilton and Vettel incident
Credit: fia.com

3:48PM

Hamilton speaks to Felipe Massa on the podium

We've got a great crowd here. Negativity is never great. That's what has powered me along. I accept the challenge that they send. I love being here in Italy, I love the food, the track is incredible. To win here is such an honour in front of such a big crowd.

3:47PM

Updated driver standings

1. Hamilton - 356

2. Vettel - 226

3. Raikkonen - 164

4. Bottas - 159

5. Verstappen - 130

6. Ricciardo - 118

3:45PM

Vettel on the team radio after the race

"Okay guys. The car was pretty compromised from lap one I would say. It didn't feel right, the balance. I think you saw what happened there, I think we had the pace. Thanks to everyone."

3:45PM

Your podium

3:44PM

General jeering as Hamilton bounces out onto the podium

Not sure he will be bothered by it any more. He's big enough and old enough.

Lewis Hamilton on the top step of the podium
Credit: sky sports f1

3:42PM

Not much chat in the cool down room

There are some people chanting unkind things in the distance, I think. About Lewis Hamilton. I could be wrong. Some big boos about to happen on the podium...

3:40PM

Good result for Williams

3:39PM

Bottas seems content, if not delighted with that podium

I was really trying to do everything I can do get onto the podium. It was hard racing. Not quite as fair as I was hoping for but he got a penalty and I got a podium. I think as a team we take this result. We got more points than Ferrari in their home. We take it but hopefully we can be better next time.

3:38PM

Raikkonen reacts

I think it was quick enough unfortunately our rear tyres went and it was a losing battle. I tried but it was impossible in the end unfortunately. I mean, for sure we tried, but the rear tyres gave up before the race ended. We keep fighting.

3:37PM

Hamilton reacts

Firstly I want to give it up to Ferrari who put up such a great challenge today. I want to say a huge thank you to these guys back home. Without their efforts this wouldn't be possible. I could see so many British flags out there and they inspired me so much. Big thank you to the team and to Valtteri for helping us as well. We never give up.

3:36PM

Hamilton is naturally delighted as he screams on top of his car in parc ferme

Ferrari had such an awful day today.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates victory
Credit: sky sports f1

3:34PM

Hamilton now leads drivers' championship by 30 points

Huge at this stage, you have to say. With seven races to go that is big.

3:34PM

Raikkonen disappointed

"Disappointing but nothing I could do," Raikkonen says.

The rest of the points scorers:

6. Grosjean

7. Ocon

8. Perez

9. Sainz

10. Stroll

"Formation all the way home, just so we can show our Italian colleagues," Bottas is told on the radio. Banter.

3:32PM

LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE 2018 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX

How did this happen? Well, we know how. This has been a superb drive from Hamilton! What a turnaround. What a turnaround. Mercedes shouldn't have won here but they had such a superb Sunday.

1. Hamilton

2. Raikkonen

3. Bottas

4. Vettel

5. Verstappen* - after five second time penalty

"Get in there Lewis! You are the man! You knocked that out of the park today, mate." Pete Bonnington, his race engineer is a happy man.

"I can hear how happy you guys are. Thank you so much for all the hard work guys."

3:30PM

FINAL LAP - Hamilton leads by 8s and is easing to a superb victory

Bottas still not past Verstappen but Vettel within five seconds of the Dutchman so Verstappen a net fifth.

Bottas doesn't need to get past him to be fair. Vettel in effect fourth.

Raikkonen looks fine on his tyres now...

3:28PM

Penultimate lap

Raikkonen is really struggling with his tyres and vibrations and is unlapped by Sirotkin. He relaps him in the next chicane, though. He's told to stay off the kerbs. Are tyres critical for the Finn?

He hasn't managed his tyres that well today, really.

3:27PM

Well, well, well - Verstappen now has a buffer to Vettel

Just about...it's going to be so tight at the chequered flag.

3:27PM

Lap 50 of 53 - Hamilton leads by 6.8s, cruising to victory

The top 10:

Top 10 on lap 51
Credit: formula1.com

Sirotkin 11th, Leclerc 12th.

OUT:Ricciardo, Alonso

3:25PM

Lap 49 of 53 - Verstappen and Bottas close again

Verstappen does not want to give this place up and he is in great risk of losing fourth as well. But it's too late, really. Every lap he fights with Bottas he loses time.

"I know I'm losing time to Vettel but I really don't care," the Dutchman says on the radio.

3:24PM

The moment Verstappen and Bottas touched

Vettel now within seven seconds of Verstappen and that should be fourth for Vettel instead of fifth.

3:23PM

Lap 47 of 53 - Hamilton leads by 4.1s from Raikkonen

Another great turnaround for Mercedes and an awful afternoon for Ferrari. It was Vettel's error, though.

Verstappen is informed of his five second penalty.

"For what?! I gave him space. They're doing a great job at killing racing, honestly."

3:20PM

Hamilton extends his lead to 3.6s...

An easy win from here? Should be. Should be.

3:20PM

Lap 46 of 53 - Five second time penalty for Verstappen for that incident

That would move him behind Bottas. Vettel is only 11 seconds behind Verstappen...

Hmmmm.

3:19PM

HAMILTON TAKES THE LEAD

He's much closer into the first chicane and he makes it stick!

Hamilton was bold there and Raikkonen had little chance to defend on the inside at the first apex and around the outside at the second. Clean, nice driving there. Toto Wolff is pleased. Very pleased.

3:17PM

Lap 44 of 53 - Hamilton even closer to Raikkonen

Raikkonen really struggling with his tyres from the lead. Stroll up into P10 now, 2.6s down from Sainz. Grosjean running well in sixth, Ocon seventh and Perez P8.

3:16PM

Lap 43 of 53 - Bottas misses the first chicane and has to take the escape road

And that drops him back even further.

What happened there?! Verstappen hit him under braking. He moved way to the left in the braking zone and shunted him into a spin. That should be a penalty.

3:15PM

Vettel update

Fifth. 13s down the road from Bottas.It's so vital for Ferrari that Raikkonen wins this race. It's a seven point difference in the championship.

3:14PM

Lap 41 of 53 - Raikkonen leads Hamilton by 0.6s

Again Hamilton is close under braking into turn one but it is still not enough.

Bottas really close to Verstappen but well defending from the Dutchman. Should be Bottas's podium, though.

3:12PM

Lap 40 of 53 - Raikkonen leads by a second over Hamilton

Bottas closes in on Verstappen. Hamilton a little further back going into turn one again but his tyres look fresher.

Can Raikkonen hold on for a sensational victory here?

3:11PM

Lap 39 of 53 - Raikkonen leads by 0.7s

How are the tyres looking? Not great. Hamilton now much closer than he was on the last lap.

He'll have DRS again but can get the tow? Not quite. Ferrari power seems too much. Hamilton closes up under braking, though but it's not enough. Hamilton needs patience here.

His tyres are eight laps newer.

3:09PM

It's so tight at the top

Here's where they are on the road.

Hamilton now has DRS.

The race at the front
Credit: sky sports f1

3:08PM

"This race will be won and lost with tyres,"

Is what Mercedes tell Hamilton. He is told not to kill his tyres as Raikkonen has. Hamilton also appears to have some blistered tyres. Raikkonen is told he has some vibrations from his.

What on earth is going to happen here?! Who knows?

16 laps to go...

3:06PM

Lap 36 of 53 - Bottas leads Raikkonen by 0.8s

Hamilton further back by a similar margin. Vettel in seventh currently. Big blisters on Kimi Raikkonen's rear left. Big.

Bottas pits and Raikkonen retakes the lead!

3:05PM

Hamilton on much fresher tyres, remember

That should be crucial. He's hammering it right now though but doesn't seem to be closing up now. He's told to keep the tyres in good nick. He was pushing it before.

3:04PM

Lap 34 of 53 - Hamilton within DRS range of Raikkonen now

This race is going from bad to worse for Ferrari. Raikkonen doesn't have the pace to get past Bottas.

Vandoorne is ahead of them all going into the parabolica. He'll get out of the way on the straight...

Onto the straight...who will be ahead?!

Raikkonen gets close to Bottas but Hamilton is a little further back from them. Vandoorne still hasn't let them past, but does so through curva grande on the next lap. As you were at the top.

3:02PM

Lap 33 of 53 - Hamilton now within a second of Raikkonen!

This is so close. So close. Raikkonen has blistered his left rear here.

This is Hamilton's race now. But what will he risk for victory?

3:01PM

It's tight at the top...

Hamilton now within two seconds of Raikkonen. Bottas doing a good job here. But for how much longer?

Race top 10
Credit: formula1.com

STILL Raikkonen does not pass!

2:59PM

The first lap incident between Vettel and Hamilton

2:58PM

Not sure this strategy is going to work out for Magnussen

He is 30s behind Vandoorne at the moment and last on the road.

2:58PM

Lap 30 of 53 - Vettel stops for a second time!

Onto the supersofts for the last 23 laps. A 2.9s stop. He comes out in 10th, behind Sirotkin and ahead of Grosjean...

Raikkonen now within DRS range of Bottas and Hamilton within four seconds of Raikkonen which the Briton describes as "a big gap".

2:56PM

Lap 28 of 53 - Hamilton pits!

He locks up on the pit exit and goes onto new soft tyres. 2.4s. Not superquick but decent.

Bottas and then Raikkonen go through as Hamilton emerges. Bottas will be the blocker for Hamilton and Mercedes. Hamilton 5.6s behind Raikkonen at the moment. Raikkonen 1.5 behind race leader Bottas, who has yet to stop.

2:54PM

Lap 27 of 53 - looks like Bottas will have a role to play here

Hamilton stays out. Raikkonen will emerge a few seconds ahead here but will have used and worn tyres towards the end of the race. Bottas told to keep Kimi behind him. He'll have to drive the widest car on the grid very soon. Raikkonen 2.3s behind him.

Daniel Ricciardo retires!

Raikkonen should have enough time to retake the lead when Hamilton pits here.

Daniel Ricciardo retires
Credit: sky sports f1

That was a brand new engine as well...

2:49PM

Lap 23 of 53 - Hamilton stays out

And loses 0.4s to Raikkonen, who sets the fastest lap. Some showers, Ocon says. In six and seven. Is this why Mercedes are keeping Hamilton out?

Vettel takes Ocon for fifth!

2:47PM

Lap 22 of 53 - Hamilton continues...

He's going well. Raikkonen does not really take any time out of him on his first full lap on fresh tyres. Hamilton has the pace. One more lap for Hamilton.

Raikkonen says it's raining a bit at the back of the circuit...

2:46PM

Lap 21 of 53 - Hamilton sets the fastest lap

His last lap was his fastest. It's tense. It's tight. The team come out and look to pit...but they don't.

Raikkonen sets the fastest sector time in S2 and S3. Is this going to disadvantage Hamilton here?

2:44PM

Lap 20 of 53 - Vettel takes Sainz into the first chicane

He's now into seventh. 29s from the leader. Close when he passed but never in danger of colliding. Bit of a doubt as to whether he will make it to the end of the race on these tyres.

Raikkonen pits!

He slides into his box, puts on the soft tyres and comes out in fourth. Just ahead of Grosjean. What's Hamilton going to do now?

"It's Hammer time, Lewis", Hamilton is told. It certainly is.

2:42PM

Lap 19 of 53 - Bottas tries a move on Verstappen into turn one

And the Dutchman misses the chicane and keeps the place. Hmmm. Bottas wasn't actually ahead so that seems all fair. To some extent anywyay.

2:41PM

Lap 18 of 53 - Vettel gets past Perez at the second attempt

Vettel passes Perez for P8
Credit: SKY SPORTS F1

2:40PM

Lap 17 of 53 - Vettel tries a move on Perez

And falls short, running deep into turn one after initially passing. Bit of a mess of that one, Seb.

Raikkonen now approaching the backmarkers (Magnussen) which means Hamilton will be doing so soon as well.

2:38PM

Lap 16 of 53 - Vettel breezes past Stroll on the straight

He's into ninth. Perez ahead for the German. He's 26s off the lead but only seven or so from fifth and 18 from Bottas in fourth...

Strategists at Mercedes scratching their heads now.

2:37PM

Lap 15 of 53 - Raikkonen leads by a second from Hamilton

We have lost two drivers so far, Fernando Alonso and Brendon Hartley. Some decent fights across the field now but plenty of eyes are on the front two and the man in 10th, Vettel.

2:35PM

Lap 14 of 53 - Ocon passes Sainz for sixth

Grosjean next up the road. Vettel gets into the points now. He's 25 seconds off the lead now. Sirotkin now 11th.

Vettel has some damage and says the balance is a bit off.

2:34PM

Lap 13 of 53 - Ricciardo passes Gasly

Seemingly after an order from the big bosses. Some damage to the front wing of Daniel Ricciardo's car. Not huge, though.

Verstappen holds off Bottas for now. Bottas could come into play here for Vettel. Magnussen switched to mediums in his stop and will run to the end of the race on those tyres. He hopes.

2:32PM

Lap 12 of 53 - Raikkonen and Hamilton hold station for now

Top 10

Top 10
Credit: formula1.com

2:31PM

Lap 11 of 53 - Raikkonen responds

And takes three tenths out of Hamilton. Bottas closing in on Verstappen in third. Nico Hulkenerg gets a slipstream past Leclerc. Ricciardo and Gasly get close again into the first chicane.

Was there more contact? Yes? A hefty clunk as Daniel was late on the brakes into the first chicane.

2:29PM

Lap 9 of 53 - Hamilton sets the fastest lap

And gets within a second of Raikkonen. Will Kimi's tyres be a problem towards the end of the first stint?

Alonso trundles into the pits from the points and looks like he's about to retire. Vettel now up to 11th.

2:28PM

Lap 8 of 53 - Ricciardo and Vettel get close!

Vettel powers past Ricciardo on the straight and debris flies off Ricciardo's car, who had just had a tap with Gasly.

Breathless stuff as Vettel moves past Leclerc after the Sauber has a heavy lock-up.

2:27PM

Lap 7 of 53 - Raikkonen leads by 1.2s from Hamilton

Vettel has so much work to do here. This is a disaster for him. All his hopes rely on Raikkonen holding off Hamilton now.

2:25PM

Lap 6 of 53 - Raikkonen leads

Vettel now in 16th, just behind Hulkenberg. Will he stop again? He changed onto soft tyres when he changed his front wing. That could be so big for the championship.

Top 10:

Race top 10
Credit: formula1.com

Vettel now past Nico Hulkenberg.

2:23PM

When Hamilton tool the lead...momentarily...

NO FURTHER ACTION ON THE VETTEL AND HAMILTON INCIDENT.

Not sure Ferrari will be happy with that but it did seem a racing incident.

2:22PM

Lap 4 of 53 - Hamilton tries to get a tow again

But he's too far behind. No DRS yet. Hamilton within a second though of Raikkonen though. Verstappen third, Bottas fourth, Grosjean fifth, Sainz sixth. Both Williams into the points as well. And Alonso.

2:21PM

Lap 3 of 53

Raikkonen also flatspotted his tyres at the start. Safety car in this lap and Hamilton looks keen at the restart!

Hamilton is right behind him into and out of the parabolica! Surely Hamilton will take the lead here! He goes to the outside and takes the lead!

HAMILTON LEADS THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX!

But Raikkonen gets a tow into the second chicane and goes around the outside into it! Wow.

2:18PM

Lap 2 of 53

"I got hit by Sebastian," Hamilton says. His team say they cannot see any damage.

The incident between Vettel and Hamilton is under investigation. They touched into the first chicane as well.

Hamilton had a huge tow going into the second chicane and tried to drive around the outside and squeezed Vettel, who then spun. Should Vettel have backed out of that one? Hmmmm.

Front wing damage for Vettel

Was Vettel released safety from his stop and wing change there? Brendon Hartley is out, by the way.

2:15PM

THE 2018 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX IS GO!

Great start by Raikkonen who covers Vettel. Raikkonen locks up into turn one but keeps the lead! Hamilton is very close to Vettel now and Hamilton goes into the second chicane side by side AND THEY TOUCH!

Hamilton was on the outside and clipped Vettel there. Vettel spins and is down in 18th! He loses some bodywork.

SAFETY CAR OUT...

2:13PM

It's nearly time...

A few moments now.

2:11PM

Formation lap underway

The formation lap
Credit: sky sports f1

Everyone away cleanly.

2:08PM

What chance of a safety car?

As slim as the rear wing on the Red Bull.

2:08PM

Two minutes to go until the formation lap gets underway

53 laps around the Temple of Speed. Nothing on the radar weather wise apart from a few light spots. That's what both Mercedes drivers are told, anyway.

Top 10 all starting on used supersofts. Magnussen on fresh softs in 11th, as is Leclerc in 15th and Ricciardo in 19th and Ericsson in 18th. Everyone else on fresh supersofts.

2:05PM

Yesterday's pole lap was the quickest ever lap in F1 history

At a shade over 163mph.

Today's race could be the quickest ever as well. It'll probably last about 75 minutes. That's around the length of a straight-to-DVD film of the early noughties or most episodes of Ken Burns's excellent Vietnam war documentary series. Let's hope it's more like the latter, eh?

2:02PM

Always good to see a fly-by

Just over five minutes to go.

1:55PM

15 minutes to go until lights out

What did Hamilton think of his qualifying yesterday? And his chances today?

I don’t think I could have gone any quicker. I’m sure you can always look at the data and see there’s a little bit more but of course I’m pushing the car as hard as I can and I’m really happy with the performance, really, this weekend. We just need that little bit more.

Will it be damage limitation for him today?

1:53PM

Sergio Aguero on the grid

Speaking to Martin Brundle about his chances and Hamilton's chances. Not too much insight there but he's not an F1 pundit, he's a football player.

Sergio Aguero and the fastest microphone in the west
Credit: sky sports f1

1:51PM

The run to the first turn will be crucial

It's a fairly long drag and anything could happen. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some contact at some point. Will Ferrari try some kind of team orders at some point if Kimi stays in front? Mercedes have dominated at Monza since 2014, taking four wins and three 1-2s since then.

Can Bottas - who was well off the pace of his team-mate - get in amongst it as well? Ferrari have traditionally been the quicker starters this season. The pressure is on for everyone.

1:45PM

More of this from Daniel Ricciardo today?

He'll need it. He's starting from 19th.

1:44PM

Just under 30 minutes to go

So here's the grid.

The grid - top 10
Credit: fia.com

The grid - bottom 10
Credit: fia.com

A few drivers down the back there with various penalties.

1:41PM

The midfield battle will again be one to watch

In Q1 there was very little to choose between Kevin Magnussen in ninth and Stoffel Vandoorne in 20th. In fact, just three tenths of a second. Sergio Perez missed out on Q2 by 0.001 seconds also. Pierre Gasly did excellently to get his Toro Rosso into the top 10 and seems to be driving with the confidence of a man who knows he'll be in one of the top teams next season: Red Bull.

1:36PM

Strategy for today - it's a one stopper

The strategy options for today
Credit: Pirelli Motorsport

1:34PM

The Tifosi - a reason why the Italian GP is simply fantastic

Ferrari fans at Monza
Credit: getty images

The tifosi
Credit: reuters

Ferrari fans at Monza
Credit: getty images

Can their team give them something to cheer about? Their first win at Monza since 2010 perhaps?

1:31PM

'Unhappy' Sebastian Vettel fails to clarify disgruntled radio message

Sebastian Vettel failed to clarify an unhappy radio message after qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Kimi Raikkonen took pole at the very end of the session, displacing Vettel from top spot. Vettel was initially elated after he crossed the line, shouting "yes!" on the team radio.

He was then immediately informed that he was only in second position and that Raikkonen had taken pole. Vettel responded with "we speak after" to his team.

In other, non F1-related news...

F2 driver, championship leader and Mercedes reserve driver George Russell took victory in the F2 sprint race at Monza this morning. With it he extends his lead over fellow Briton and McLaren reserve driver Lando Norris. Want to know a bit more about these two potential F1 stars? Click that thing below. They may both end up in F1 next year.

View more!

1:26PM

A few showers around, as you can see

Weather in Monza
Credit: sky sports f1

1:24PM

A chance to join an elite club today for Kimi Raikkonen

1:22PM

Weather update

There is a little rain in the air today, though we aren't expecting a downpour. But we shall see. A little sprinkling mid-way through the race could make things interesting, for sure. Or perhaps a few minutes before!

Monza weather
Credit: accuweather.com

The chance of rain
Credit: accuweather.com

1:16PM

Marcus Ericsson turns 28 today

Grattis!He might consider himself lucky to be racing after a horrible crash in Friday practice. He walked away unharmed from this, remarkably.

Marcus Ericsson had a huge crash on Friday practice

The accident registered 28Gs at its highest
Credit: getty images

A DRS failure on the pit straight ultimately caused him to veer into the barriers under braking

He's been racing well in the last few weeks but will start from 18th after replacing numerous parts on his car after the smash.

1:11PM

Constructors' standings

Mercedes - 375

Ferrari - 360

Red Bull - 238

Renault - 82

Haas - 76

McLaren - 52

Toro Rosso - 30

Sauber - 19

Force India - 18

Williams - 4

1:10PM

Driver standings - top six

Hamilton - 231

Vettel - 214

Raikkonen - 146

Bottas - 144

Verstappen - 120

Ricciardo - 118

1:08PM

Magnussen and Alonso spar on their hot laps...

It didn't work out well for either driver, there, as they were both eliminated from Q2. They both had a few unkind words to say about each other after the incident as well. Magnussen said he cannot wait for the Spaniard to retire. Alonso did remarkably well to get his McLaren into P13, though, I have to say.

1:04PM

Williams make it into Q3 for the first time in 2018

The situation at Williams has been rather dire for the entirety of the season. Last in the constructors' championship with awful pace and only four points, it is a far cry from their excellent to decent results from 2014-2017. Both cars made it into Q2 for only the second time this season and for the first time since Baku.

Better than that, though, is that Lance Stroll took a Williams through to Q3 for the first time this season! He will start in tenth. It was here last year that he lined up on the front row. He obviously likes it at Monza. With Sirotkin starting just outside the points as well there is a fair chance of some points for the struggling British team.

Lance Stroll took a Williams into Q3 for the first time in 2018
Credit: getty images

12:54PM

A dramatic end to a thrilling qualifying session yesterday

If you missed it then watch the dying moments here. I think I had my breath held for the last 20 seconds or so.

12:32PM

Good afternoon one and all!

Welcome to our live updates for the 2018 Italian Grand Prix from the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a little way north-east of Milan. We'll be here for the next few hours with all the build-up, live updates, reaction and analysis from the race.

Yesterday was one of the best qualifying sessions of the year, possibly in even recent years, as we had three drivers within a hundred or so metres of each other all going for pole at the same time, right at the death of the session.

One by one they went faster than before until Kimi Raikkonen found the speed and consistency for his first pole position of the season and indeed his first since Monaco in 2017. His wife was in tears in the Ferrari garage and, to be honest, it was the pole position many long-time F1 fans would have wanted to see, especially after the Finn's near misses earlier in the season.

Kimi Raikkonen secured his first pole since May last year
Credit: getty images

Lewis Hamilton gave it everything in his Mercedes - and was on provisional pole for a matter of moments - before Sebastian Vettel first and then Raikkonen bettered his time. There was a little confusion in the Ferrari camp soon after as Vettel thought he had secured pole. "Yes!" he said to his team on the radio. His race engineer quickly interrupted to tell him his team-mate was on pole. "We speak after," the German replied. He later refused to clarify exactly what he was unhappy about.

Still, it was a front row lockout for Ferrari - but not really in the order they wanted - with Hamilton behind them both. And the team have proven that they, just about, have the quickest car at the moment, being quickest on raw pace for the last four races running. Mercedes have a little catching up to do.

Hamilton, though, sits 17 points ahead in the championship. A Vettel-led Ferrari 1-2 would reduce his lead - if he finished third - to just seven points with seven races remaining. But that is far from a foregone conclusion. The long run to the first corner will be crucial and Vettel has no buffer between himself and Hamilton. They could go into the first chicane in any order.

Neither of them will want to take a big risk but on cold brakes and cold tyres at high speed it could be carnage at the front or further down. It often is.